Zoo is about $70 a day per person so you should plan to make a day of it.

Anonymous wrote:Sea World. When are you going? Surf school, kayaking and hobie cat sailing are all fun there. Lots of great restaurants. We like La Jolla.

Sea World is really lovely- some shows, some rides, beautifully landscaped. Plus a sea breeze and fireworks on summer nights.The zoo can be hot and a bit dull and dusty. Balboa Park is nice, but probably not thrilling for kids unless they are ardent museum-goers. I second La Jolla for guided kayak tour or surf lessons. La Jolla Cove has gorgeous views and La Jolla Shores is a great beach with restrooms and within walking distance of food. Coronado is nice if sedate, the historic hotel Del Coronado is on the beach and fun to go through, you can have lunch, visit shops and even go to the beach- all without paying their inflated prices. I would stay away from any stays in Hotel Circle if you can avoid.

Just returned from a trip with my husband, and 6 and 10 yr old girls. Both girls were interested in animals so that was the focus of our trip.

We live in CA (Bay Area) to trip was easier than from the East coast.

Sunday: arrived mid-day, went to pool for the afternoon (6 yr old fell asleep pool side), playing on the beach, dinner and gelato.

Monday: zoo from 9-2 (animals in action tour was fun) afternoon at the pool

Tues: same as Monday

Weds: Safari park - we were there in the pouring rain which was too bad. If you’re there for the butterflies (limited time engagement) they were a family favorite - you need tickets in advance. We did a “Safari” but that’s expensive and there’s plenty to see without.

Thursday: the surprise hit of the trip was SeaWorld. We hadn’t planned to go, but a friend had tickets she couldn’t use. It was the best at having activities that were fun for all ages. We got there around 11 because of pouring rain earlier, never stopped for lunch, and left at 6:30. My 6 yr old wanted to stay longer!

Friday: lounged around (another rainy morning), checked out and went to the zoo, returned to the hotel which let us use the pool for the afternoon before our flight home. We discovered the zoo has a really awesome splash area which both kids enjoyed.

Mission Beach boardwalk and Belmont Park (amusement park). kayaking in La Jolla. The zoo safari park has zip lining and ropes courses.

We spent 3ish hours at the aircraft carrier. It exceeded expectations.

We spent half a day at La Jolla. The seals and sea lions!

Plan a day for either Safari Park or the Zoo. or 2 days to do both.

The hop on hop off bus tour was good. It takes 2 hours to just ride the whole loop. But we got off at Coronado to eat. Then we took the ferry back.

If we had another day I would have picked Balboa.

Great trip - have fun!

If you like hiking there is Torrey Pines along the coast, and 10 miles or so inland there is Mission Trails Regional Park (including Cowles Mt. the highest peak in the city). Mission trails/Cowles is more of a local vibe, and not super touristy. Agree 100% on the California burrito, which is a San Diego staple. I think your oldest may be a little old for Legoland in Carlsbad.

There are actually two zoo locations. You can easily spend a day at each..both are amazing

I understand that they have a wonderful zoo

Balboa Park

Comic-Con Museum is fairly new

https://comic-con.org/museum

Coronado Beach.

My kid loved the Safari Park, watching the sea lions in La Jolla, and the Scripps Aquarium (they have penguins!).

The Midway (aircraft carrier) tour.

Take advantages of the beaches.

Get a California burrito

Sea World. When are you going? Surf school, kayaking and hobie cat sailing are all fun there. Lots of great restaurants. We like La Jolla.

Going to San Diego for 3 days with kids who are 13, 11, and 7. Other than the zoo, what should we do? Looking for recommendations for things to do, places to eat, anything! Thanks!